The best restaurants in Scotland

Having stayed at the Lovat some years ago, we were looking forward to returning to the bar and restaurant for dinner. However, the receptionist had other ideas. I called the hotel as we are travelling with 2 dogs in our motorhome. I know that dogs are not allowed in the restaurant, but my request was simple if we sit in the bar, can we order food from the restaurant and eat in the bar. The response is that is where the staff let this place down "we would not do that. Food is for the restaurant, and we do not serve food in the bar in any circumstances. " Now people may find this fine, but having travelled most of the UK and eaten in some of the best restaurants, we have never experienced this level of superiority from staff. We have many times had this request accommodated and, in fact, establishments have complimented us on asking for the adaptation and commented that they will offer the service moving forward. The hotel is situated in prime tourist territory and surrounded by beautiful walks for ramblers and their dogs, so this is so very short-sighted. We won't be making the 600-mile trip from suffolk again after this encounter. Your star will never be available without training for your staff.

We came for a spot of lunch and my partner ordered a panini and I had asked for a plain scone (toasted). The waitress returned with a fruit scone toasted and I explained that I had asked for a plain scone. The waitress took the scone away and then came back with it to advise that there aren’t any plain scones and I would need to pay for it as it had been toasted. I was also told that I had asked for a fruit scone, but I never, and this was verified by my partner. Plus, I can’t eat fruit scones. The service was really poor and not customer focused. I would not come back.

Lovely example of a great seafood restaurant on the gorgeous island of Gigha. Easy access from the ferry dock, we sat outside and food was really good and prices were ok

We had the most amazing experience at Grazing by Mark Greenaway. Excellent service from Eva, Caitlin, Michael, Jenny, Joanna and Elena, couples with mouth watering menu. It was the perfect dining experience including paired and recommended wines as well as servers’ favourites recommendations. We loved every minute of it and would recommend to any couple looking to celebrate an evening of great food and wine.

Nestled in the heart of Dumfries, La Dolce Vita offers an inviting, well-presented setting in a building with unique character—an old bank transformed into an Italian eatery. My guest and I stopped in for lunch, drawn in by the appealing prices on their midday menu and the charming ambiance. From the outset, the experience started on a good note. The staff were warm, attentive, and welcoming, adding to the overall positive first impression. For starters, I chose the stuffed mushroom, and my guest opted for the soup of the day: a pea and pancetta soup. The soup had a delightful, fresh flavor, though the bread served alongside was disappointingly stale. My stuffed mushroom, on the other hand, delivered with an enjoyable depth of flavor. Moving to the mains, however, the experience began to falter. I ordered the chicken Milanese, which arrived with a side of tomato pasta. Unfortunately, the Milanese resembled a breaded chicken you might find prepackaged at the supermarket, lacking the crisp freshness one expects. The pasta was overcooked, and the sauce tasted unexpectedly sweet and bland, like a store-bought jar of sauce rather than a house-made Italian tomato sauce. My guest’s Bolognese, which I sampled, was similarly lacking in complexity—a one-note sauce without the hearty, rich flavors typical of a good Bolognese. While the price point was indeed budget-friendly, the quality of the dishes left us underwhelmed. With some improvements, La Dolce Vita has the potential to create meals as delightful as its atmosphere, but until then, it’s a thumbs down from me.

It is now called ROOTS. Excellent customer service. The food is devine.

This place is absolutely brilliant. Can’t recommend highly enough.

Very helpful friendly staff, great food and drinks, good atmosphere.

Siamo stati a cena qui con amici e i nostri rispettivi figli. Personale estremamente cortese ed efficiente. Pizza ottima

Had a beautiful meal. View was amazing. We were able to sit outside and enjoy the view. Food was delicious and great choice for gluten and dairy intolerant

Sadly, when we got here it has been closed permanently. We really enjoyed our many meals here. It always seemed busy and the food was so different, varied and tasty. I hope that some other good restaurant will open here.

Amazing indian fine dining. We started with a selection of poppadoms and dips. BEST mango chutney I’ve ever had. My starter was Curried Mussels with a small garlic Naan, followed by the Punjabi Lamb Shank. Hubby had the Pigeon starter followed by Coorg Pork Curry. We shared a Pilau Rice and Blue cheese Naan (a MUST try) Great value for money for food that’s out of this world. Will be back next time in Glasgow

Great location, friendly staff, and they serve very well selected & cooked steaks

What can I say... Nice family restaurant. Kids had a blast. Fine for the family - it's got everthing middle class, pizza and pasta craving young kids need. Not sure about the mint seats but I am colour blind (so my wife and those charts tell me). Pop in some time soon.

I had a fantastic time and food and drink experience here. The place has been remodelled and the food well it was great. Service has always been good here but now it is all just great. Fantastic views over Irvine harbour. Looking forward to visiting again soon.